Bonus Scene: Lost In Magic Bonus Epilogue

Meredith counted the papers to hand out at dinner for the third time before folding them in quarters and putting them in her suit jacket pocket. This was it, they were going to do it.

            Jack walked into the kitchen and pulled her to him, kissing her like it would be their last kiss. When he pulled back, they were both breathing hard.

Meredith raised an eyebrow at her fiancé. “Wow, what was that for…? Not that I didn’t love it.”

            “Because I can.” He smirked and kissed her again to prove it.

            “Save the rest for later, lover boy. We need to get down to the restaurant or we’re going to be late. If I’m late to my own weekly dinner, Jo will never let me hear the end of it,” she said as she laughed.

            “Wait.” Jack grabbed her hand before she could flash.  He had what she thought of as his thinking face as he looked into her eyes. “Bubbles, are you sure this is what you want?”

            Meredith felt like the floor had just dropped out from underneath her. “Are you having second thoughts about doing it this way?”

            “Not me. I just want to make sure you’re good with this,” he said, emphasizing the “you’re.” “I know this is not what you dreamed of as a little girl.”

            She’d spent a long time thinking about it, weighing the pros and cons. Something so unorthodox wasn’t her norm, but her life had changed a lot since then. Dreams could change too. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Yes, this feels right.”

            “Okay, then, let’s go.”

            An hour and a half later the dinner dishes had been cleared, Reece’s desserts devoured, and everyone was relaxing with a drink. She looked down at the tables to where Jack had moved after the main course to talk to Ben. He looked up, as if sensing her looking at him.

            She and Jack had become even closer and the magic between them continued to grow. They could sense each other across distances and seemed to know what the other was thinking. Magic or love? She didn’t know. Maybe a bit of both.

            When he’d proposed, she didn’t think she could love him anymore than she already did.

            Ready? He threw the thought into her head and she nodded before standing up and walking to the head of the last table where Jack joined her. He stood behind her and she felt his warmth seeping into her like a safety blanket. She wouldn’t have imagined that it would be possible over a year ago, but he’d become her rock in any storm.

            “Hey, everyone! Can you please give your attention to Meredith?” Jack didn’t have to raise his voice to be heard over the clatter of voices, he was just that commanding. “You’ve got this, Bubbles,” he said just loud enough for her to hear.

            Her nervousness disappeared as she smiled at the group. “Thank you all for coming…” She paused. She’d rehearsed everything she’d wanted to say and now the words didn’t seem right.

            “Mer, why so formal?” Jo called out.

            “Jack and I are getting married,” she said, rushing the words. “Tonight.”

            “What?”

            “Holy shit!”

            “You’re kidding!”

            The comments kept coming until Jack asked for quiet and once more Meredith had the floor. “Yes, tonight. A lot has happened over the last year.” Her gaze briefly locked with Reece’s before she looked at Jo and then Morgana as she continued. “We’ve learned that we are never promised tomorrow—” She had to swallow against the sudden tightness in her throat. “So we’ve decided we don’t want to wait any longer. We want to be husband and wife as soon as possible.”

            A hush fell over the group. She looked over her shoulder to Jack and he reached around one side of her. Cupping her cheeks in his hands in an awkward embrace, he kissed her soundly. Cheers went up, breaking the tension that had settled with her last words.

            Rowena left her seat and walked over. “Are you sure, sweetie? You’ve always wanted a princess wedding. We can still make that happen.”

            “Yes, this feels right, and who says it’s not going to be a princess wedding?” She gave Rowena a sly grin and took the papers from her pocket. She handed them out as she walked around the room.

            “Ah, Mer, the dress in this picture is gorgeous, but what am I supposed to do with it?” Jo asked.

            “Conjure it. Everyone is to conjure whatever is in the pictures. And all the guys have to conjure a tux as well.”

            It didn’t take long before there were decorations and flowers popping up all over the restaurant. The tables and chairs were moving on their own like a scene from Beauty and the Beast, and many people were now wearing dresses and tuxedos. She couldn’t hold back the smile that split her face.

            Fiona and Stella, already wearing beautiful matching skirts and jackets, fitting for mothers of the bride, cornered Meredith and pulled her off to the side. “Where is your dress?” Fiona asked.

She and her cousins had lost their mothers and no one could replace them, but they’d gained surrogate mothers, and she’d be forever grateful for them. “It’s upstairs.” She turned to the group. “Bridesmaids, time to go to my apartment,” she called out over the talk and laughter.

            Twenty minutes later she was ready to get married.

            “Meredith, you look beautiful,” Morgana said as she straightened Meredith’s veil down her back. The dress was simple and elegant, bright white with a square neckline and tight bodice that flowed into a full skirt with a modest train. She felt every bit a princess. “I’m ready for my prince.”

            “You mean Knight?” Jo said, causing them all to laugh. “Wow— you’re going to be Meredith Knight.”

            “My mom said when I was five, I announced that that would one day be my name.” Her mom had been right, but she wouldn’t be here to see it. Meredith waved her hand in front of her face to stop the tears that threatened to spill at the thought and took in a fortifying breath. Her mom’s sacrifice had made this moment possible, and Meredith was determined to enjoy it.

            She took one last look in the mirror and turned to her bridesmaids, the women who had been there for her through so much. Her cousins Rowena and Jo. Damon’s sister Kate, and Morgana, the newest member of the group.

            Meredith took in a deep breath. “Hold out your right hand.” Each woman looked confused but did as she’d asked. Meredith pulled on her magic. All five women now held a flute filled to the brim with champagne.

            “Wow, conjuring five glasses at once, I need to learn that trick!” Jo said and then made a toast. “To Meredith — a beautiful bride and one of the best people I know.”

            “I love you guys…I’m so happy. Oh, no tears!” She laughed as she blinked and disappeared the tears.

            There were more tears and hugs, but with magic to the rescue, everyone’s makeup was perfect.

            The bridesmaids stood by the kitchen door, each with a beautiful bouquet of purple and white daisies and roses. She watched each woman walk out the door until she was all alone.

            Excited to  see Jack, she stepped forward and hit a solid wall of chest as someone flashed in front of her. “Reece!”

            He chuckled. “Sorry, I didn’t expect you to be so close.” He held out his elbow. “Meredith, will you do me the honor of letting me walk you down the aisle?”

            Tears welled again, the pesky buggers, but she waved them away and smiled. “I’d love that.”

            The opening lyrics of Etta James’ “At Last” started playing in the restaurant and Meredith couldn’t help but laugh. Jack had picked the song, and it was perfect.

            She walked with Reece through the door and took in the sight of her family. Very few by blood, most by love, and Jack stood at the end of them all waiting for her. When her eyes welled with tears again, she didn’t stop them. They were tears of happiness.

            The aisle wasn’t long, but she didn’t rush. She smiled at everyone and then her gaze locked on Jack’s.

            His black tuxedo fit him to perfection. The others standing beside him were also dressed in tuxes, but she had eyes only for him.

            Reece kissed her cheek and shook hands with Jack, but it all happened in a daze. All she knew was that she was now holding Jack’s hands and he was her future.

            He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “You still good, Bubbles?”

            “I am.”

            “Not yet, Jack,” Ben teased. He was the only one they had spoken to about the wedding ahead of time since Jack had asked if he would officiate. She looked at Ben as he started the ceremony.

            Ben’s words about love and marriage flowed over her as she held Jack’s hands and looked into his eyes. He squeezed her hands gently when Ben asked him to recite his vows.

            “Meredith, the day you asked me to conjure a giraffe bubble was the day I started to fall in love with you. I have loved you every day since, even when we couldn’t be together, and I will love you until I take my last breath. I promise to gladly follow your lists, keep the closets tidy, and be whatever you need. You are my soulmate and my future and the only person I want to go through life with.” I love you, Bubbles.

            The last words Jack threw into her thoughts. Just for her.

            Their friends chuckled as he promised to clean the closets, but she knew what he’d really meant. Jack would calm her anxiety and be there for her when the stress became too much.

            Ben prompted Meredith to recite her vows and then she looked at Jack.

She spoke from her heart. “I wrote my vows, agonized over them. I wanted this moment to be perfect, but you’ve taught me that life isn’t perfect. It’s messy and we’ll laugh and cry, and as long as you’re with me, it will be perfect for us. Even without my memories, I was drawn to you because deep down I’ve always known we were meant to be. You’re my best friend and my true north, and I will be yours forever.” I love you.

The ring exchange was quick as they placed her parents’ rings on each other’s fingers and then Jack wrapped one large hand around the back of her neck and placed the other on her lower back. He pulled her to him and kissed her like it would be the last time, like he did every time.